Queen’s incredible dedication as she battles heatwave in ceremonial robes

The Queen is never one to shy away from her royal duties, but she went above and beyond on Friday when she braved the UK’s heatwave in full velvet ceremonial robes for a traditional Scottish service.

The 92-year-old monarch transformed in the regal outfit complete with a full train and feather hat as she was joined by her daughter Princess Anne and grandson Prince William for the Thistle Service in Edinburgh.

Despite having to stand outside under the sun in the thick green robes and white-plumed hat, the Queen looked in good spirits and smiled to guests as she walked out of St Giles’ Cathedral in the city.

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The ceremony takes place every two years to welcome new members to the Order, known as the highest honour in Scotland. It recognises members of the community who have held public office or contributed to public life.

While William and Anne also dressed in the regal-like robes, the Queen stood out as she had a young boy carry her train behind her and took centre stage for the ceremony.

Read more: The Queen shines in yellow as she watches stunning bagpipes performance

This year, Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, Sir Richard Scott and Sir Ian Wood, will be installed into the order. 

It marks the final day of Holyrood Week, which has seen the Queen step out for a number of public engagements each day – despite recovering from an illness just days before.

She appeared to have made a full recovery after she was forced to miss a service at St Paul’s. A spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace said at the time: “The Queen is feeling under the weather today and has decided not to attend this morning’s service at St Paul’s Cathedral marking the 200th anniversary of the Order of Michael and St George.

“Her Majesty will be represented by the Duke of Kent as the grand master of the order.”

Earlier this year, Queen Elizabeth was pictured wearing dark sunglasses on a series of public outings, before the Palace revealed she had undergone cataract surgery in May. True to her usual stiff-upper-lip style and strong work ethic, however, the Queen didn’t miss a single official engagement, powering through her duties without a pause.

Read more: Palace reveals surgery that forced Queen Elizabeth to don dark glasses

The Sun noted that the monarch is known for her robust constitution, having in 2013 had her first hospital stay in a decade after contracting gastroenteritis. But cataracts – cloudy patches on the lens of the eye that impair vision and can’t be remedied with glasses – are known to be hereditary and to develop with age, and the Queen Mother also had surgery in 1995 to remove a cataract at the age of 95.

Cataract removal operations aren’t considered particularly serious and can sometimes be done under local anaesthetic. The surgery involves the removal of the afflicted lens, which is replaced by an artificial lens, and usually results in only a short recovery time, although there may be a longer period before the person is considered fit to drive.

Are you impressed with the Queen’s incredible working schedule?